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Young DP Mosquera will give FC Dallas additional creative option

A heavy reliance on playmaker Mauro Diaz has prompted FC Dallas to sign midfielder SantiagoMosquera as a viable alternative.

Mosquera, 23, has joined FC Dallas as a
Young Designated Player in a transfer from Millonarios of the Colombian first division. The native of Buenaventura, Colombia, led the Millonarios U-20 team in scoring before breaking into the first
team in March, 2016. He has scored eight goals in 54 appearances.

Head coach Oscar Pareja needs reinforcements for a team that fell short of the playoffs last year and struggled in just about every
aspect of play. Injuries to Diaz and a rough campaign for striker Cristian Colman impaired the attack in many games.

“Mosquera has all the things we were looking for this
offseason,” said FC Dallas technical director Fernando Clavijo in a release announcing the deal. “He plays specifically how Oscar would like to play. It was not an easy
signing because he is a very high-quality player. He will make us better, for sure. He allows us to open up space on the field for Mauro and have a strong offensive lineup.”

With
Mosquera (5-foot-6, 185 pounds) in the lineup, Millonarios captured the Clausura league title last year. He has played on both wings and can also slot into the No. 10 role usually occupied by Diaz.

FCD plays Tauro FC of Panama in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals next week. Mosquera will be added to the roster once his paperwork clears and whether he plays
against Tauro depends on his fitness and sharpness.

“[Oscar] talked to me about why he brought me, what the game plan is, the tactics he plans on using,” Mosquera said.
“He was showcasing his trust towards me, he has high hopes for me. I hope to live up to his expectations the best way possible and to be able to back up the trust he has given me.”

He is the sixth Young Designated Player signed by an MLS team this offseason.